The 78th Cannes Film Festival, which concluded on May 24, 2025, has awarded its coveted Palme d'Or to Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi for his film "It Was Just an Accident." This marks a significant win for Panahi, who has faced travel bans and imprisonment in Iran due to his politically charged filmmaking. The Grand Prix, the festival's second-highest honor, was awarded to Joachim Trier for "Sentimental Value".
"It Was Just an Accident" is reportedly inspired by Panahi's own experiences in prison. The film follows a group of former prisoners who encounter a man resembling their torturer and grapple with the decision of whether or not to seek revenge. Critics have lauded the film as a clever and symbolic exploration of justice, blending dark humor with its intense themes. Panahi, accepting the award, addressed "all Iranians, with different opinions, in Iran and around the world," emphasizing the importance of national unity and freedom of choice. His win also marks the sixth consecutive Palme d'Or triumph for Neon, the US company holding North American rights to the film.
Joachim Trier's "Sentimental Value," reunites him with actress Renate Reinsve, known for her role in "The Worst Person in the World." The film centers on Nora and Agnès, who reconnect with their estranged father Gustav, a film director, after their mother's death. Gustav attempts to cast Nora in his new film, leading to familial conflicts and a journey of self-discovery.
The Jury Prize was shared between Óliver Laxe's "Sirât," a desert road trip, and Mascha Schilinski's "Sound of Falling," a German drama spanning generations. Kleber Mendonça Filho won Best Director for "The Secret Agent," a Brazilian political thriller set in the 1970s, while Wagner Moura received Best Actor for his performance in the same film. Nadia Melliti was awarded Best Actress for her role in Hafsia Herzi's "The Little Sister," a coming-of-age drama about a young French Algerian woman. Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, two-time Palme d'Or winners, secured Best Screenplay for "Young Mothers." A special award was given to Bi Gan for "Resurrection." The Camera d'Or, for best first film, went to Hasan Hadi for "The President's Cake", marking the first Iraqi film to win an award at Cannes.
The jury, led by French actress Juliette Binoche, included prominent figures such as Halle Berry, Payal Kapadia, and Jeremy Strong. The festival proceeded smoothly, despite a power outage in the region earlier in the day.
The 2025 Cannes Film Festival showcased a diverse range of cinematic talent from around the world, with the awards highlighting both established and emerging filmmakers. The wins for Panahi and Trier underscore the festival's commitment to celebrating compelling storytelling and artistic vision.
